Fig Preserves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 lb. ripe figs, stems removed
3/4 c. soda
water to cover figs
6 lb. sugar
16 lemon slices
8 cinnamon sticks

Preparation

Soak figs in soda water for 1 hour.
Drain and rinse well. Place figs in large shallow roasting pan and sprinkle sugar over all.
Pour in 2 to 3 cups water, enough water so the bottom of the pan is covered.
Add lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.
Bring to boil; turn down fire so that there is always bubbling to top.
Do not stir very often.
Cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until figs are easily pierced with a straw.
Take off scum.
Fill sterilized jars.
Make sure 2 slices of lemon and 1 cinnamon stick are in each jar.
Makes about 8 pints.